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Top 10 Must Sees at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only authentic, working movie studio and theme park in the world. It's as much a can’t-miss for visitors as it is a popular weekend attraction for L.A. locals. From the world famous Studio Tour to thrilling rides and family friendly attractions, the magic of moviemaking is made real for everyone who comes to experience it. We round up our top ten must-sees for your next visit.

1. VIP Experience

Book the VIP Experience for the ultimate behind-the-scenes visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Tickets to the VIP Experience are about $399 per person (with discounts available various times of the year), and include exclusive features such as:

Tour the backlot in a special trolley that lets you disembark and explore areas not open to the general public.

VIP guide who immerses you in Universal Studios history, gives you no-wait, front-of-the-line access to all rides, and finds the best seats at any show.

Gourmet lunch in the private VIP dining room, valet parking, and VIP entry and exit from the park.

2. Fast & Furious - Supercharged

Fast & Furious - Supercharged, based on the Fast & Furious action movie series, is a dynamic hydraulic-motion based ride that catapults guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars. Housed in a new 50,000 square-foot building, Supercharged tells an original Fast & Furious story with hyper-realistic special effects that immerse guests in the the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious universe. State-of-the-art 3D-HD imagery is projected onto the world’s longest and most expansive 360-degree screen, spanning nearly 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour passengers.

3. Springfield - The Simpsons Ride™

Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

A more family-friendly ride, The Simpsons Ride™ takes you on a simulator journey through Krustyland with fun animation in high-definition.

Springfield captures the spirit of the hometown of America’s favorite family, The Simpsons. The vibrant and expansive space surrounding The Simpsons Ride comes alive with favorite locations from the award-winning animated series. From famous eateries like Krusty Burger, Luigi’s Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s 5600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe’s Tavern and Duff’s Brewery, guests will feel as if they’ve stepped through their TV and into the colorful city of Springfield.

5. TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride – 3D

Transformers™: The Ride-3D at Universal Studios Hollywood

TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride - 3D is an immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Fusing HD 3D media and flight simulation technology, this epic ride creates an experience unlike anything this planet has ever seen. Based on the popular movie franchise, this mind-blowing Transformers adventure puts you in the middle of the ultimate war zone.

6. Jurassic Park® - The Ride

Jurassic Park® - The Ride is an exhilarating raft ride that brings visitors face-to-face with prehistoric giants like a 50-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, before plunging them 84 feet down a wild waterfall. Getting drenched is guaranteed, so plan accordingly.

7. Studio Tour

Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

The world famous Studio Tour is perhaps the most legendary attraction at Universal Studios. Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the Studio Tour offers guests the chance to explore the working backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. The tram ride takes visitors past sets from films like War of the Worlds, Psycho, Jaws and others, with a fiery special effect or two thrown in for good measure. The tour also includes filmmaker Peter Jackson’s heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D, the world’s largest 3D experience.

8. Halloween Horror Nights

From the movie studio that invented the horror film genre, L.A.'s premier Halloween event turns up the terror like never before. Based on the best, most frightening films, television series and music, Halloween Horror Nights® features all-new mazes, scare zones and the Terror Tram on select nights starting in September.

9. WaterWorld®

If you’ve ever wanted to see movie stunts live and in person, this is your chance. The number one-rated WaterWorld® stunt show features wild jet ski tricks, pyrotechnics, air stunts and more. Don’t sit in the front “Soak Zone” unless you’re prepared to get waterlogged.

10. Special Effects Stage

How do they make monsters come to life? What is CGI? And how do those 3D images pop out of the screen like that? Visitors to the Special Effects Stage find out all the answers when they get a behind the scenes look at these amazing filmmaking secrets and more.

BONUS: Shopping and Entertainment at Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk | Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

With over 30 stores, 30 dining options, 6 nightclubs, live outdoor entertainment and a 19-screen movie theater - including a seven-story IMAX - Universal CityWalk is a one-stop destination for entertainment that's located just steps from Universal Studios Hollywood. Be sure to check out the state-of-the art 5 Towers concert venue which showcases live, free entertainment all year long.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™" | Image Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

HOGWARTS IN HOLLYWOOD! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is the West Coast’s most anticipated entertainment experience and everyone loves the signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in hyper-realistic 3D-HD. Read More →